Chassis, generic

C0627 Variable Effort Steering Sensor Circuit High

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

The high counterpart: the sensor signal sits above the top of the band the module treats as valid. In the Kelsey-Hayes design a healthy channel peaks near 4.4 V on a 5 V supply, so a reading close to the supply rail or beyond it points to a short to the reference or to battery voltage, or to a broken sensor ground that lets the input float high. That patent handles high, low and in-between levels as separate faults so service can tell them apart. Ford's variable-assist systems used such a steering wheel rotation sensor together with road speed, and Ford's effort patent names steering rate and angle as inputs. No maker publishes C0627. As with C0626, the module ignores the sensor and steers on a fixed or speed-only curve.

Likely causes

Signal wire shorted to the 5 V reference or to battery voltage
Open sensor ground letting the signal float high
Sensor output stage failed and stuck high

Symptoms

  • Variable assist disabled, steering effort fixed
  • Steering warning lamp or message

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€30–450
Time0.5–2 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

ves sensor

Related codes

C0624C0625C0626

References: patents.google.com, patents.google.com, aa1car.com.